Warty Peppercress
Lepidium papillosum
Family: Brassicaceae
What it is like
A cabbage family herb. It is an annual plant. It grows 10-30 cm high and spreads 10-30 cm wide. The stems are hairy and whitish but turn purple with age. The leaves vary in shape. The leaves near the base are 10 cm long and can be lobed. They have teeth. The leaves on the stem are much smaller and clasp the stem. The flowering groups are elongated. The flowers are very small and lack petals. The fruit is dry and long with 2 sections. It is 0.6 cm long by 0.5 cm wide. The upper half has wings and there are prickly hairs.
There are about 150 Lepidium species.
Where it is found
It grows in drier warm temperate regions. It needs a sunny location and well drained soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The leaves and stems are steamed and eaten.
Edible parts
Leaves, stems
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed.